Basic Invite – Christmas Wishes Customised by You*

Christmas is a time for making memories, celebrating traditions old and new with friends and family. There’s something about the little rituals that begin at Christmas that seem to last a lifetime; carried down through generations, building a strong family line of cultural values that are enjoyed by everyone. We seem to make that extra special effort once winter rolls around, the sense of belonging, knowing we’re part of something special.
There are many traditions within my family, and each unfolds in their own due course over the weeks preceding the big day. The build-up is almost the best part.

Every year, the first sign of Christmas is my Mother sitting at the kitchen table, writing countless Christmas cards. She works from a worn list of names that she’s had forever; a collection of people who form a part of both her life and of ours. Different shades of ink here and there represent new friends she’s made over the years. When it comes to cards, she enjoys receiving them as much as sending them. Strands of twine from one side of the kitchen wall to the other are where she proudly displays her collection as they grow day by day; Christmas illustrations everywhere you look. Do I remember the cards along with the memories? Most often not. Sure, all are a pretty sight; snow-capped houses and robins to beat the band. Yet the ones I do remember were personal – a unique design, centred around a family photo with a personal message. A keepsake, a lasting impression. A family’s very own tradition, shared.

And that’s where Basic Invite come in. Their concept reminded me so much of those cards I remembered, but with endless possibilities and a lot more choice. There are over 400 holiday designs and Christmas cards to choose from; keeping family memories and yearly greetings creative.

What else makes these beautiful cards different? Almost Unlimited Colours. Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers almost unlimited colour options with instant previews online. Once you select a design you can change the colour of each element on the card to over 180 different colour options so you can make sure the card is exactly how you want it down to the littlest detail. Perfect for the perfectionist in the family!Speaking of colours, all peel and seal envelopes come in 40 different colours too, so you can make an impression before the recipient has even seen what’s inside.You can also order a printed sample of your card (or invitation, you can make personalised cards for any event on the site) so you can see how it looks and feels before you complete your final order.

Although my Mother works from her trusty list, I tend to keep everything digital. Basic Invite offers an address capturing service that allows you to simply share a link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other form of social media to request their friends and family’s addresses which will be stored in the customer’s account and can then be selected during the design process. There is no additional cost for recipient address printing on all Christmas card orders.

And last but not least, my favourite part of the Basic Invite touches. You have the option of creating cute holiday cards in gold, silver or rose gold. You can also choose flat or raised foil on your cards. Personally, I like raised. There’s something nice about a little texture.

Right now BasicInvite is offering 30% off with coupon code: holi30 if you want to have a go at making your own special Christmas greeting.